PC Magazine's final issue

When my January 2009 issue of PC Mag arrived today, I was first startled by how unusually thin it was -- only 98 pages. Then I saw the Editor-in-Chief's column announcing that this issue is the last printed issue. From now on it will become a 100% digital publication.

I'd been a subscriber for several years, enjoying receiving 22 issues per year and benefiting from their tests, evaluations and recommendations.

Printing and delivery expenses are said to be the reasons for the change.

 

Its unfortunate, but this seems to be the trend. As a pressman I understand the costs involved in the printed page; but on the other hand it worries me because without the printed page - I don't have a job.......

What some people don't realize is many readers will not sit at their computer and read the entire product as they might with a tangible publication. I sort of like sitting on the couch with a cup of coffee and my newspaper or magazine.

 

Amen!

And not even that little reader-toy from Amazon replaces the sensation of curling up with a good piece of paper.

There's just something comforting about the smell of a book or magazine. Especially one that's brand new, or has gotten really old.

 

Have to agree but the the flexability of the online productions (eg Video/Sound) does make it harder for these magazines to sell.

I've used my PDA/Laptop etc to read novels, but pushing a button to turn the page just isn't the same (With some books I've read the physical action of turning that page keeps you awake )

It's a growing trend but I really do hope paper publications don't disappear.

 

It won't.

"Radio will replace the written word! "
"Television will replace the written word AND radio! "

Sound familiar?

"The Ineternet will replace EVERYTHING! "

Yea, not so much...

 

Nothing will ever replace books and the printed word. Sure... inroads have been made by modern technology. But I can attest to the fact (working in a bookstore part-time) that sales of books are very healthy. I recognize that Barnes and Noble and Borders have experienced an "off" year but that is a direct result of the sagging economy. Our bookstore which deals in closeouts, overstocks and remainders has had a banner year. Why? Price. That tells me that folks still want the printed word and that as the economy picks up, current releases will show a healthy increase in sales. Not to worry, Mitchell.

 

Thanks everyone for keeping the printed page alive.

I think re-read my copy of Godel, Escher, Bach - they can't put that on the web; it takes too long to read.

 

Just because it takes a long time to read doesn't mean it can't be put on the net. Just warning you.

I've seen some ranting internet trolls whose wall-of-text flaming posts of incoherent gibbersh still came closer to resembling to a logical, cognitive process than the eye-bleed that is "Finnegan's Wake. "

 

oh my gosh! A cyber friend and I were just discussing this exact same thing the other day! The smell of a book. Curling up with a cup of hot chocolate or tea. A couple of yummy cookies. Lots of pillows. And some good story lines keeps me reading all day.

I just got my copy of PC Mag today and didn't realize they were doing that! I also had wondered why it was so thin. Can we protest???